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Leach Wins Silver Medal in 400m Hurdles at World Junior Championships

Sophomore Nicole Leach finished second in the 400m hurdle competition at the World Junior Championships in Beijing, China on Thursday, earning her the silver medal. The 2006 outdoor All-American finished second (55.55) to Jamaica's Spencer Kaliese, who won with a time of 55.11.

Leach led for the majority of the race before Kaliese caught her on the back stretch.

'I'm disappointed,' said Leach. 'I was the world leader. I planned to take the race. I just needed to execute the plan. I struggled with my stride pattern.'

Today's finish bettered her 2004 finish in which she was fourth overall.

Leach still has a chance at a gold medal as she will run on the 4x400m relay team.

Sophomore Rhonda Watkins is also competing at the World meet in the high and long jump. Watkins in the Trinidadian Junior Record holder in the long (21-6.25) and high jump (6-0).

In the long jump prelim, Watkins won Group B with a mark of 21-2.75 (6.47m), advancing her to Saturday's final. She competets in the prelims of the high jump on Friday with the final following on Sunday.